After finishing my first Half Marathon, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what running has taught me. I’ve realized that things I’ve learned from running apply not only to running but to everything I do in life. Because of running, I now know that I will be successful in everything I choose to do in life.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM RUNNING

1. DISCIPLINE.

Nobody goes from running nothing to running marathons overnight. Every runner puts time, effort, and energy into their training. Essentially, runners need self-discipline in order to accomplish their goals.

I can think of a bajillion reasons (excuses) why I shouldn’t run 26.2 miles. But at the end of the day, I still go out there and train. I still run and get my miles in. I might spend the first three miles regretting my decision. I might hit mile six and wish for death.

But it doesn’t matter. I still went out there.

At the end of the day, I never regret going out and running. Ever.

I can tune out my lazy inner voice because I realize that if I’m consistent, my hard work will pay off. I won’t be able to run a marathon if I don’t practice. I won’t be able to run a sub-30 5K unless I constantly push myself.

If I want to see results, I must push past my excuses. In the end, it’s always worth it.

 

2. LOVING WHAT YOU ARE DOING MAKES IT EASIER.

Running is not easy. It’s hard work. But loving and enjoying running makes it seem so much easier. You’re considerably happier when you’re doing something that you love instead of something that you dread or have to do.

It’ll still be difficult, but in the end, it’s worth it. It’s worth it because you love it.

Running has transformed into something that I love because I find reasons to love it.

I love running because it makes me connect with the Earth.
I love running because the air I breathe makes me feel alive.
I love running because the time I get alone allows me to clear my thoughts and focus.
I love running because it gives me absolute control.
I love running because it helps me set and accomplish goals.
I love running because it makes me feel invincible, like I am Wonder Woman.
I love running because it is free. You don’t need anything but your feet.
I love running because it is soul-cleansing.

I feel reborn after every run. Sometimes literally, because my muscles are begging for mercy. Sometimes mentally, because I have suddenly realized something, achieved some form of enlightenment, during my run.

I could find thousands of reasons why I hate running, but I choose not to.

Finding the love makes me happier. It makes me more positive in all areas of life. It certainly makes 26.2 miles seem a little less daunting, a little less intimidating.

 

3. IT’S NO BIG DEAL.

Runners love perfect weather, those overcast, perfectly cloudy, but not rainy, days. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it’s bloody humid. And other times, well, it’s just damn hot.

Sometimes, my iPod runs out of battery. Sometimes, I have a throbbing blister on the ball of my foot.

No big deal.

It doesn’t prevent me from running. It doesn’t stop me from going for a five-minute jog. It might make it HARDER, but so what? I’ll be stronger, better, and faster because of it. Really, in the grand scheme of life, most things aren’t that big of a deal.

Usually, some good comes with every bad. A lot of unfortunate and unexpected things happen in life. But it’s how you look at it that affects your future choices and decisions. You can either shrug it off, deal with it, and try to be happy, or you can just let it ruin your day.

I don’t like ruining my day or my runs, so I just realize that most things really aren’t that big of a deal. It’ll pass. And hey, I still managed to get my run in!

 

4. LEARN FROM OTHERS.

I am a very independent person. I didn’t use C25K to run my first 5K race. I didn’t use any Half Marathon training plans. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t look at them or read about other people’s training experiences. I read about running all the time and I am humbled by how little I actually know.

I have realized that people are so willing to share their knowledge. Sometimes you have to ask, but most of the time, they offer advice without prompting. You can learn so much if you’re willing to listen.

Asking and seeking help isn’t a demonstration of weakness. It simply helps you expand your knowledge and makes you stronger and better.

Why NOT ask somebody who’s run 26.2 miles how they did it?

 

5. FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED.

It’s not about how fast or when you finish but that you finish at all that matters.

Crossing the finish line on race day meant that I achieved my goal, that I accomplished what I set out to do. I didn’t just give up halfway through because it was hard. I pushed through the physical pain, the mental barriers. I conquered it.

Finishing is what counts.

Running is all about finishing what you started. It will be a hard, long, treacherous journey, but there’s no greater feeling than finishing. That sense of accomplishment is indescribable. It’s one of those moments when you realize that nothing can stop you, that you really are The One.

It doesn’t matter how difficult the road ahead may be. If I am persistent, dedicated, and consistent, I will prevail. I will push through. With each step forward, I am one step closer to my goal, one step closer to victory.

 

Running has taught me so much about life and about myself.

It has helped me realize that I really can do every and anything I set my mind to. More importantly, it makes me feel proud of myself.

And nobody can take that feeling away from me. I’ve earned it.

 

What have you learned about yourself recently?